Featuring Barra, The Hi-Bs and The Eddies!Three of St Paul's most beloved bands come together to spread holiday cheer and promote good will with great live music and a silent auction. Now in its seventh year, Yulefest passes on all proceeds to The Food Group (formerly The Emergency Foodshelf Network)! Beer and wine bar available. Fantastic Silent Auction too! [More]

Boiled in Lead return to The Celtic Junction for a rocking acoustic Yule celebration. The band will be joined by their friends the Lowry Hill Mummers of The Ritual Drama Team and the Shortsword Rapper Dancers, who will add traditional mid-winter entertainments to Lead's usual blend of edgy dance tunes, border-busting ballads and other-wordly original songs. Bring your dancing shoes and join Boiled in Lead as they brighten the winter air at Celtic Junction. [More]

O’ROURKE’S FEAST is a lively seven-piece Irish traditional music ensemble, with repertoire that includes dance melodies like jigs and reels, but they also play older, sometimes long-neglected material from the Irish tradition, including hornpipes, clan marches, and some beautiful old slow airs and songs. The group also plays some original music, composed in traditional style. There is a long tradition of such folk ensembles in Ireland, including Ceoltoiri Chulann (forerunner of the Chieftains), and groups with whom Paddy O’Brien played years ago, Ceoltoiri Laighean and the Castle Ceili Band. [More]

Join the Irish Music and Dance Association in celebrating the lifelong community contributions of the Twin Cities' own Wind Powered musician. Laura will be honored with performances by local musicians, dancers, and friends. [More]

Looking to learn some new tunes? Interested in adding to your repertoire of techniques? Do you seek performance options in addition to participating in sessions?We are the Minnesota Celtic Fiddlers and we'd like you to join us for our meeting! [More]

Ever wanted to sing and play the fiddle, viola, or cello at the same time? In this two hour workshop we will learn one simple song, the chords for that song and be able to play it and sing it together. We will also explore techniques to increase your ability to sing and play at the same time. You can choose to attend the concert, the workshop, or both when you purchase tickets. [More]

Laura Cortese and the Dance Cards is an all-female string group brought together by the love of traditional American music and the myriad of ways it can be expressed in a chamber-folk setting. With their feet solidly grounded in traditional fiddle styles, they reach for the sky with their original compositions, arrangements and interpretations of Old-Time, Bluegrass, Country, and Celtic music. Valerie Thompson (cello/vox) and Mariel Vandersteel (fiddle/hardingfele/vox) pair their sophisticated string arrangements and rich vocal harmonies to Cortese's poignant and powerful singing. This is post-folk that seriously rocks. You can choose to attend the concert, the workshop, or both when you purchase tickets. [More]

Seductive sounds and stories from eighteenth century Ireland

Mid-eighteenth century Ireland was an environment of oppression and fear, when infamous Penal Laws were being enforced and both school and mass were held outdoors away from prying eyes and ears of authority. However the southwest of Ireland managed to nourish poets and harpers for a significant period through triennial poetic conventions and sympathetic patrons such as the Rev. Charles Bunworth of Buttevant, Co. Cork.In this program Ann will perform on a replica of this Bunworth harp, and all music will be that which would have been heard and performed in Ireland during Bunworth’s life in the mid-18th century, including music of Carolan, Ireland’s most famous harper, and a song in the original “limerick” metre. Please come and sample a bit of 18th century Irish soundscape! [More]

“their great feat turns out to be taking what’s best of the classic Irish folk revival without falling into any of its clichés. The resulting album bears repeated listening from start to finish, with ten beautiful, crystalline songs.” -Huffington Post

The Murphy Beds (Jefferson Hamer and Eamon O’Leary) present traditional and original folk songs with close harmonies and deft instrumental arrangements on bouzouki, guitar, and mandolin. They have performed and collaborated with artists across the folk spectrum including Beth Orton, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Anais Mitchell, and Sam Amidon. [More]

Presented by the Traditional Singers Club. A new trio created to perform unaccompanied singing of Scots Gaelic songs includes Laura MacKenzie, Katharine Grant, and Scott Bartell. Refreshments will be served. [More}

The Great Northern Irish Pipers Club is excited to announce its GNIPC 2014 Tionól Concert, an evening of Irish traditional music played on the Irish "uilleann" pipes. This year's concert features three of the finest uilleann pipers living in the United States: Joey Abarta, Tom Klein, and Tommy Martin. All three are masters of the long, rich traditions of this unique instrument (and of Irish dance music in general), but each also has a flair for connecting those traditions with modern audiences: concertgoers will be treated to diverse styles, idioms, and sensibilities. [More]

This will be the last in a series of five free public seminar-performances featuring a thousand years of the harp tradition of Ireland and Scotland.

This event will feature local harpers Kassandra Cruit, Mattie Ernst and Hannah Flowers performing solo and with Ann & Charlie on repertoire that they have been learning from Ann during the year. [More]

Musical Tribute in Memory of Lyle Lofgren, Sept 21, 2-6 pm

Returned to the moon, then to infinity and beyond. August 7th, 2014. Lyle came into this world singing, and that's the way he left it. This will be an afternoon in celebration of Lyle's life, the music he loved, and the songs he sang. Donations may be made to: Minnesota African American History Museum 1700 3rd Ave. S. Mpls, MN 55404

"Schmidt ties jazz, Celtic, folk, Americana and storytelling together with her commanding voice"- Minnesota Public Radio, "The Daily Circuit"

Claudia will be joined by Dean MaGraw on guitar, Jim Anton on bass and Marc Anderson on percussion - three of the most sought-after musicians in the Twin Cities. Together they're Eighthead, creating a heady brew of musical influences and styles. [More]

An open, warm and welcoming introduction to a masterclass in fiddle, guitar, songcraft and the reworking of standards [...] there’s real musical intelligence at work here.”– Tom Lynch, Free World Music

New York fiddle master and ex Lord of The Dance lead fiddle player Matt Mancuso marks his visit to St Paul with a performance with Patsy O'Brien, performing selections form their critically acclaimed album "Road Work" and more. [More]

Please join the Center for Irish Music for a very special open house to celebrate CIM's 10th anniversary! To celebrate, CIM will offer a group class and instrument demonstrations, a music session, and a recognition ceremony. There will be light snacks, drinks, and a celebratory cake! We encourage newcomers and returning students to join in our anniversary festivities. Bring your questions about CIM and your instrument(s). Meet our staff, instructors, and fellow CIM students. [More]

Irish Céilí Dance, August 16

7pm-10pm. $5 per person, $20 max per family.

Bring the whole family, see your friends, and let's have some fun! Irish social dancing with live music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. Located in Inis Meáin.

See you at the Fair! August 8-10

The Irish Fair of Minnesota will take place Friday, August 8 - Sunday, August 10, 2014 on Harriet Island, Saint Paul. The unique once a year celebration offers attendees an opportunity to celebrate authentic Irish heritage through a multitude of activities such as: step dance, traditional group dance, gaelic sports, Celtic marketplace, cultural displays, native Irish dogs, traditional tea room, Irish food and drink as well as several local and international bands. (What's not to love? Many folks here at The Celtic Junction relocate during Irish Fair!)

BUY TICKETS NOWO’Rourke’s Feast is launching their debut CD and everyone’s invited along to the concert. The band plays a wide variety of Irish traditional music, jigs and reels of course, plust slow airs, marches, set dances, hornpipes and polkas, as well as a number of original tunes by Paddy O'Brien and Sherry Ladig arranged with harmonies. The current band lineup includes Paddy O'Brien on button accordion, Suzanne Rhees and Amy Shaw on flutes, Kathleen Green, Ingrid Jans, and Rosa Wells on fiddle, and Sherry Ladig on keyboards. Our former members include fiddlers Danielle Enblom, Nathan Gourley, and Ann Mossey Sandberg, and we’re hoping some of them may be able to join us for the CD launch. [More]

Irish Céilí Dance, July 19

7pm-10pm. $5 per person, $20 max per family.

Bring the whole family, see your friends, and let's have some fun! Irish social dancing with live music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. Located in Inis Meáin.

Looking to learn some new tunes? Interested in adding to your repertoire of techniques? Do you seek performance options in addition to participating in sessions?We are the Minnesota Celtic Fiddlers and we'd like you to join us for our meeting! [More]

Looking to learn some new tunes? Interested in adding to your repertoire of techniques? Do you seek performance options in addition to participating in sessions?We are the Minnesota Celtic Fiddlers and we'd like you to join us for our meeting! [More]

Internationally known acting teacher Julia Carey is working with Natalie O’Shea at the Celtic Junction to create an acting workshop for young people. Julia and Natalie were the creative partnership behind the critically acclaimed Theatre Exchange in Minneapolis from 1988 to 1992. They have subsequently worked together in New York and London and are looking forward to new collaborations in Minneapolis. [More]

Internationally recognized acting teacher Julia Carey is offering a Shakespeare workshop at the Celtic Junction. The workshop will study: Text Analysis, Shakespeare as Director, and Shakespeare Monologues. These elements contain a combination of diagnostic work on acting problems with proven technical exercises that bring measurable results. Whether you are an experienced actor looking to refresh skills or a beginner who has perhaps found Shakespeare difficult this workshop may change your mind about your approach to classic text. Julia is looking forward to welcoming new and former students. [More]

The Master Concert is a signature event of the Minnesota Irish Music weekend. The concert not only showcases each visiting musician’s artistry and repertoire, but offers both classic and unique musical pairings. This year’s Master Concert will feature visiting artists Oisín Mac Diarmada, Catherine McEvoy, John McEvoy, John Blake, and Rita Gallagher. [More]

Presented by the CIM, the Minnesota Irish Music Weekend is a unique festival that pairs world-class traditional Irish musicians and teachers with learners of all ages and abilities for a weekend of workshops, lectures, sessions and a rare and virtuosic Saturday night concert featuring the visiting artists. [More]

The Center for Irish Music presents a fundraising concert to support the Travel Fund featuring the CIM Advanced Youth Ensemble and other talented young traditional musicians who traveled to the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil. [More]

Looking to learn some new tunes? Interested in adding to your repertoire of techniques? Do you seek performance options in addition to participating in sessions?We are the Minnesota Celtic Fiddlers and we'd like you to join us for our meeting! [More]

Irish Céilí Dance, May 17

7pm-10pm. $5 per person, $20 max per family.

Bring the whole family, see your friends, and let's have some fun! Irish social dancing with live music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. Located in Inis Meáin.

“The remarkable duo has honed a ravishing repertoire by distilling the melodic essence of traditional Irish tunes. Hayes and Cahill have distinguished themselves by bringing chamber music’s intensity and dynamic control to folk tunes.” Seattle Times [More]

Norman Kennedy is one of Scotland’s finest traditional singers with a unique repertoire of folk songs and ballads in both Scots and Gaelic. Born and brought up in Aberdeen, he was a neighbor of the great ballad singer Jeanie Robertson and during the evolving folk scene of the 1960′s he picked up many songs from her and from other singers such as the bothy ballad singer Jimmy McBeath and the traveller and street singer Davie Stewart. [More]

Scots Gaelic SINGING Workshop, April 26

9:30-10:30am. $10. BUY TICKETS NOW from JenniferWith Jennifer Licko´s Scots Gaelic Song workshop, no previous Scots Gaelic language knowledge is needed. The study focus is on the music and the purpose of the song. Although, one should expect a few language explanations as needed for the singing. The workshop provides students with the experience of learning the musical purpose of each song. Before a dance tune is learned, the dance step is demonstrated to visually see how the tune rhythm matches with the dance step. As a work song is learned, work song motions are made while singing in order to feel the emphasis on the beat and understand the rise and fall of the song. Jennifer began competitive Scottish Dance at the age of 9 and competed as a premier Highland Dancer until age 22. She also has a degree in Music Education and has been teaching Celtic cultural arts through music and dance in school settings since 2003.This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota state arts board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Scots Gaelic Song & Pipe Music, April 25

Music starts at 7:30pm. $13.BUY TICKETS NOW from JenniferScotland´s Western Isles have preserved a wealth of traditional Scots Gaelic songs, as well as music for the pipes. This new duo combines these two ancient musical traditions, with forays into related music. Vocalist Jennifer Licko, who also plays guitar, keyboards, bodhran and dances, has been studying and performing Scots Gaelic song for the past 15 years. She is joined by Dick Hensold on pipes and whistle. Please note that Highland pipes are NOT used for this program–NONE of the instruments used are very loud. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota state arts board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

This will be the fourth in a series of five free public seminar-performances featuring a thousand years of the harp tradition of Ireland and Scotland. The focus will be on the cycles of life and the Gaelic harp's three magical musics in context with the horsehair and gut-strung harps of medieval Wales and Scotland. Don't miss this opportunity to hear and learn about the famous instrument from its foremost representative. [More]

Balkan party band Orkestar Bez Ime (OBI) returns to Celtic Junction for a special premier of their new folk-inspired compositions amidst traditional audience favorites—an evening made possible by a grant from the American Composers Forum. Special guest: Eric Ray.[More]BUY TICKETS NOW

Saint Patrick's Day Dance, March 17

A ceili in the large studio, and a set dance in the middle! Good company, great craic, and genuine conversation. [More]

An Irish dance and live music performance featuring O'Shea Irish Dance and the Two Tap Trio with artistic direction by Natalie O'Shea. Kickin' It Irish thrills us with traditional to contemporary Irish dancing with bodhran, Irish flute, guitar and fiddle - all with flair, humor, and fun. It’s a show sure to get your toes tapping and feet flying. [More]BUY TICKETS NOW

Pop Wagner & Adam Granger: Happy Landings CD Release, March 2

Music starts at 7pm. Advance tickets $12, $15 at the door.

Join Pop Wagner and Adam Granger as they celebrate the release of their new recording “Happy Landings” for a fun filled evening of music and repartee as only these two can provide. BUY TICKETS NOW FROM POP

Twin Cities Robert Emmet's Hurling ClubAnnual Fundraiser: Night of the Races, March 1

Live auction, silent auction, ladies "best hat" contest and more! All proceeds go directly towards supporting the sport of hurling and the promotion of Irish culture in the Twin Cities.

The Center for Irish Music and Jim Rogers, Honorary Event Chair and director of the Center for Irish Studies at the University of Saint Thomas invite you to dress up in your finest, bring your friends and join us at The Celtic Junction for Éigse CIM, A Gaela Event. [More] BUY TICKETS NOW FROM CIM

Irish Céilí Dance, February 15

7pm-10pm. $5 per person, $20 max per family.

Bring the whole family, see your friends, and let's have some fun! Irish social dancing with live music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. Located in Inis Meáin.

The Twin Cities’ Sweet Colleens are bringing their genre-busting Celti-Cajun Folk-Pop sound to the Celtic Junction for a special Valentine’s weekend concert. Accomplished multi–instrumentalists, the Sweet Colleens fuse theirdiverse musical backgrounds into a high energy, infectious, and crowd–pleasing mix of “Celtic folk–rock and alt. country/Americana, with Cajun and Caribbean seasonings.” [More] BUY TICKETS NOW

This will be the third in a series of five free public seminar-performances with Ann and Charlie Heymann, featuring the traditional harp of Ireland and Scotland.

Being on Valentine’s Day, this program will focus on music of love and romance and delve into the harp's gender identity in mythology and lore. There will be a reception with the artists afterward. Don't miss this opportunity to hear and learn about the famous instrument from its foremost representative. [More]

Shape note, or sacred harp singing is one of out country's oldest, most vital, and soul-stirring musical traditions, resonating through the rafters for over 200 years. Join shape-note singers from around the U.S. for a celebration of Sacred Harp singing from the Cooper “blue book”. [More]

Robert Burns' Night Ceilidh, January 25

7pm. $20 advance tickets, $25 at the door. 12yrs and under $10, 5yrs and under Free. $50 family max. BUY TICKETS FROM SCOTTISH FAIR & HIGHLAND GAMES

The Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games and the Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Association invite you to join us in celebration of Scotland's favorite bard on January 25th. We are featuring dancers from the Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Association, the Macalester College Pipe Band andCeilidh Dancing by Dallwinnie and Chandi McCracken. Join us for tea, shortbread, a sample of haggis and a wee dram for the toasts. Scottish meat pies and bridies will be available for purchase during the night and beer and wine will be available at a cash bar. Limited seating available.

This concert will be a wonderful night of rare and moving traditional songs, carefully handpicked from sources from Ireland and Canada. Formerly the lead singer of acclaimed UK-based band, The Outside Track, Norah Rendell will be joined by some of the best traditional accompanists around at this concert; Brian Miller (Bua, Songs of the Northwoods) on guitar and bouzouki, Dáithí Sproule (Altan, Trian) on guitar and harmony vocals and Milwaukee-based Randy Gosa on mandolin and guitar. [More]BUY TICKETS NOW

Irish Céilí Dance, January 18

7pm-10pm. $5 per person, $20 max per family.

Bring the whole family, see your friends, and let's have some fun! Irish social dancing with live music by the Twin Cities Ceili Band. Located in Inis Meáin.

"...madcap genius, master craftsmen. In Beoga, the Irish music world found another prodigy.” -Irish Music Magazine

Beoga (gaelic for ‘lively’) are based in County Antrim, in the north of Ireland. The bedrock of their sound lies firmly within the Irish tradition. However, they are not afraid to incorporate other genres’ nuances into their music. From bluesy riffs to Astor Piazzola-style jazz, to a raunchy New Orleans jamboree vibe, their music always returns to a wonderfully bouncy Irish sound. The result is traditional, with a huge sense of fun and adventure and it all works - wonderfully well. The Wall Street Journal describes them as “the most exciting new traditional band to emerge from Ireland this century.” Irish Music Magazine writes “Beoga are at the forefront of the new Irish wave.” [More] BUY TICKETS NOW

After two hundred years of silence, the famous harp of Ireland and Scotland is once again being heard and Minnesota is playing a key role in its revival.

Gaelic harper Ann Heymann is a pioneer who recreated techniques documented in medieval manuscripts to recreate a performance practice that is the basis for courses in Ireland, Scotland and around the world.

Ann and musical husband Charlie Heymann will give a series of five seminar-performances in the coming year at the Celtic Junction. These events, supported by a Minnesota State Arts Board “Arts Learning” grant, are free and open to the public. [More]